It’s been a fair while since I was last asked to write some words; I’ve now been to a number of regattas and ingested a fair few cups of tea yet I still have not found myself behind the oar of a boat.
So I’ve been thinking, what makes a good regatta? A few old chaps dressed up to the nines with megaphones; a guy with binoculars trying to work out what’s going on (the commentator); the cost effective tea and cakes stall; the obligatory burger bar wafting the tasty smell of fried onions with the sole purpose of annoying the rowers on the water. And, of course, a varied selection of clubs and crews trying not to take people out whilst carrying their boats and oars about the place.
In all these regattas I can’t help thinking that some rowing clubs need to put in a bit more effort with their boats (especially the clubs with lots of cash). It’s all well and good having a sizeable clubhouse and the latest Janousek. But that’s not enough; everyone has a reasonable looking boat. What’s the differentiator in making the crew really feel at home in the boat? I mean, where are the alloy riggers, the metallic painted hull? And inside the boat, the chrome footplates, the oak veneer runners, the leather-trim seat pads. The piece de resistance? Blue under-boat lighting. After all, nothing says ‘I’m going to win this race in style’ than blue under-boat lighting.
A bit more effort needed I fancy.
Well back off to the clubhouse to read my copy of Which? Boat. Or perhaps I’ll have a go on the erg to get myself ready for the water? Cup of tea on standby, please!
Bob
